Today, the Canadian Coast Guard announced the official start of construction of its Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel at Chantier Naval Forillon in Gaspé, Québec, and celebrated the completion of Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Baie de Gaspé, the 10th and final new search and rescue lifeboat built by the shipyard.

"Today marks two important milestones for the Canadian Coast Guard. We are proud to invest in Canadian shipyards and workers, which is, in turn, an investment in the fleet of the future. We will continue to deliver on our commitment to provide our personnel with state-of-the-art vessels and equipment."

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

“Today’s milestones in Gaspé show how our government is investing in Canadian shipbuilding, supporting local industry and creating good, skilled jobs for workers in communities across the country. We’re also building the next generation of ships that will drive innovation, support science and ensure Canada has a modern, sustainable and mission-ready fleet. These projects strengthen Canadian industry, support workers in Gaspé and beyond, and secure Canada’s future on the water.”

The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement

“We thank our partners at Chantier Naval Forillon for their excellent work on the construction of the 10 Bay-class search and rescue lifeboats. As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, this project is supporting many good-paying jobs and helping to grow Canada’s marine industry. We’re building on that success with today’s steel cutting for the next-generation research vessel that will strengthen the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities.”

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

"What we are celebrating today is much more than the end of one contract or the beginning of another: it is a testament to our ability to deliver complex projects, to build strong partnerships, and to actively contribute to Canada’s maritime security and energy transition."

Jean-David Samuel, President and CEO of Chantier Naval Forillon.

• The Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel design includes power and energy-reducing features such as a hybrid propulsion system with a battery bank and energy-efficient electrical and deck equipment systems. The vessel will emit fewer greenhouse gasses than a non-hybrid one.

• The Research Vessel can accommodate a crew of five Canadian Coast Guard members and six scientists. The vessel will be equipped with:

  • a dry lab;
  • a wet lab;
  • deck mounted equipment to support fisheries and oceanographic work, and;
  • integrated electronic systems to support Canadian Coast Guard and Science.

• The CCGS Baie de Gaspé is the final search and rescue lifeboat to be constructed, from the series of 20 vessels, acquired under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. 

• Chantier Naval Forillon from Gaspé, Québec, and Hike Metal Products Ltd from Wheatley, Ontario, were awarded contracts totalling $180M for the construction of ten search and rescue lifeboats each.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel
• Backgrounder: High-Endurance Search and Rescue Lifeboats (‘Bay Class’)

Associated links

• The Canadian Coast Guard Fleet
• National Shipbuilding Strategy
• Start your career with the Canadian Coast Guard
• Greening Government Strategy: A Government of Canada Directive

Alice Hansen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: Alice.Hansen2@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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